7 Amish Habits That Can Save You $10,000 a Year

Practical simplicity from America’s plain people—no buggy required.

In a world driven by convenience, consumption, and credit, the Amish live by a radically different code: simplicity, frugality, and self-reliance.

And while most of us aren’t ready to give up electricity or ride a buggy to work, we can learn a lot from the habits that help Amish families thrive—often on a single income.

Here are 7 powerful Amish habits that could realistically save you $10,000 a year (or more)—without sacrificing too much in the way of comfort or quality of life.

1. Cook At Home

What the Amish do:

While Amish families do eat out from time to time – the majority of meals are eaten at home. Daily meals are made from whole, unprocessed ingredients—flour, beans, butter, eggs, fresh vegetables—often grown or sourced locally.

Amish kitchens are hubs of activity, where families often cook together and pass down recipes through generations. Meals are hearty, seasonal, and frugal, making use of what’s available. Leftovers are rarely wasted.

Your savings: Skipping takeout and packaged meals can easily save $150–$300 per month.

Estimated Annual Savings: $2,000–$3,000+

Try it:

• Start with basic Amish-style recipes: stews, baked goods, casseroles.
• Invest in a bread machine or Dutch oven—one-time costs that pay off quickly.

Bonus Tip: Amish bulk stores often offer flours, grains, and spices at below supermarket prices.

2. Repair, Reuse, and Wear It Out

What the Amish do:

Clothing is mended and reused until it’s beyond repair. Hand-me-downs are common. Amish women sew most of the family’s clothing, and even basic items are patched rather than tossed. Tools, furniture, and household goods are fixed instead of being replaced.

Your savings: Cutting fast fashion and repairing clothes and small appliances can save hundreds per year.

Estimated Annual Savings: $500–$1,000

Try it:

• Learn a few basic sewing or patching skills (YouTube is your friend).
• Shop secondhand or organize a family clothing swap.

Bonus Tip: Keep a small mending kit near the laundry or in your car—you’re more likely to repair things when the tools are within reach.

3. Grow Your Own Food and Preserve It

What the Amish do:

Many Amish families raise gardens, fruit trees, and livestock, then preserve harvests through canning, drying, or freezing for year-round use. Summer months are filled with gardening, followed by evenings spent “putting up” food. A well-stocked pantry is a source of pride and security.

Your savings: Growing your own produce can reduce grocery bills by hundreds, especially for organic or specialty items.

Estimated Annual Savings: $600–$1,500+

Try it:

• Start small with easy-to-grow vegetables and herbs.
• Learn simple canning or freezing methods.

Bonus Tip: Swap excess garden produce with neighbors to diversify your pantry.

4. ‍‍‍ Prioritize People Over Purchases

What the Amish do:

Birthdays, weddings, and holidays are celebrated without extravagance. Evenings are often spent playing games, reading, or doing quiet activities together—not binge-watching or shopping online. Amish life revolves around family and community—not entertainment or material goods. Time together is the greatest gift.

Your savings: Simplifying celebrations and cutting paid entertainment can significantly reduce spending.

Estimated Annual Savings: $1,500–$2,500

Try it:

• Create “no-spend” or limited-spend birthdays with homemade meals and shared activities.
• Cancel unused streaming or entertainment subscriptions.
• Replace screen time with weekly family nights: cards, board games, reading, or even storytelling.

Bonus Tip: Time spent with loved ones doesn’t just save money—it strengthens your support network and emotional well-being.

5. Live Below Your Means—On Purpose

What the Amish do:

Many Amish families build homes that actually fit their needs, build without mortgages – or pay them off as quickly as possible, and save methodically. They view frugality as freedom, not deprivation. Though the Amish are not immune to consumerism (some have expensive hobbies like hunting), Amish finances are often simple—savings-focused and structured around real needs, not wants.

Your savings: Avoiding lifestyle creep and choosing smaller, manageable homes or cars can mean major savings.

Estimated Annual Savings: $2,000–$3,000+

Try it:

• Audit your monthly expenses. Cut recurring costs that don’t add value (subscriptions, impulse buys).
• Practice “Amish budgeting”: Only spend what you’d spend if you made 25% less.

Bonus Tip: Challenge yourself with a monthly “no-spend weekend”—a practical way to reset habits and discover how much you already have.

6. Live Simply and Avoid Consumerism

What the Amish do:

The Amish embrace simplicity, owning fewer possessions, avoiding flashy brands, and rejecting unnecessary gadgets. While it’s true that some Amish, especially in wealthier communities, do spend on “luxuries” – most don’t chase trends and purchases are based on function and need. Children grow up with fewer toys, but richer imaginations.

Your savings: Spending less on clothes, electronics, and luxury items saves big over time.

Estimated Annual Savings: $1,000–$3,000+

Try it:

• Audit your spending to identify impulse buys.
• Commit to buying only what you truly need.

Bonus Tip: Buy secondhand or borrow instead of buying new whenever possible.

7. Shop at Local Markets and Buy in Bulk

What the Amish do:

Amish families buy many staples in bulk from local suppliers and markets, which lowers per-unit costs and supports the community. Often out of transport necessity, shopping trips are planned carefully—often just once per week or less—to avoid impulse spending.

Your savings: Bulk buying reduces grocery bills, especially for grains, dairy, and canned goods.

Estimated Annual Savings: $500–$1,200+

Try it:

• Join a local co-op or bulk buying group.
• Freeze or store bulk goods properly to avoid waste.

Bonus Tip: Visit farmers’ markets at closing time for discounts on fresh produce.

Final Thoughts: How Much Could You Save?

Adopting even a few of these Amish-inspired habits can bring meaningful financial relief.

But embrace them all, and your total estimated savings could range between $8,000 and $15,000+ per year.

These are time-tested principles built around community, discipline, and intentional living. You’ll not only save money—but also gain peace, resilience, and a renewed appreciation for the simple life.

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